It’s a phrase, the use of which can be traced back more than 100 years — a picture is worth a thousand words.

The meaning is simple, but elegant; through a single image, complex ideas and emotions can weave together to form a tapestry where words are inadequate or even unecessary.

So to see the paintings on display at the first annual Madera County Department of Behavioral Health Services art show earlier this week, from photorealistic portraits to abstract conceptions of the pain and suffering inherent with addiction, you could learn more about the humble artists who created them than perhaps they would ever say.

“There’s a lot of talented artists out there in the world,” said Mike Hannon, a 56-year-old North Fork resident, as he stood before the abstract painting he submitted for the show. “Maybe those artists are where you wouldn’t think to look so I think it’s fantastic there’s an opportunity like this.” ...